HR Millennials: Dealing With An Introvert

Definition of Millennials

Millennials also known as the Generation Y is known as the set of workforce who are challenging the prevalent status quo at the conventional workplace. They fall between 1980 and 2000. They are also called Nexters, Internet generation (iGeneration), The Now Generation, Generation D (D for Digital), Net Gen (Net Generation), DOT.com Generation, Microwave Generation. And the most known technology of this era is the internet.

What Characterized Millennials?

This generation is characterized by the work perspective – “Work my way” – devoted to their own careers, not to their companies. They believe work should be measured by results and not the amount of hours put in the office. Having used a computer since birth, they are resourceful and hungry for information. They have high potentials and are fast moving, internet savvy and instant goal oriented. Millennials are very accommodating of diversity in people. They often see these differences as an opportunity to learn new things and make new friends.

Difference in opinions always brings about dispute and conflict ego, the office environment is not excluded from these forms of conflict. Focusing on the subject matter – a corporate Nigerian; this post is to address issues that may arise and differ from individual, organisation and even geographical location.

I am passionate about what I do, see, I love to draw, design, and everything art. I am part of the graphics team in my company but my supervisor constantly complains about how I am always keeping to myself. His usual chorus is ‘You’re not like others, just with your earphones day in day out, you barely keep up with office banter, you don’t even push designs as viciously as others do’.

One day, a colleague suggested to liven the mood with throwback songs, and then they all began to sing along as the songs were played, even my supervisor. I wasn’t interested, so I plugged my earphones. Ten minutes later I receive his email ‘Why do you like to always be different?’

My issue is “I do my work, meet up with deadlines, I am never late. My only offence is my personality, I am an introvert. Please, is being an introvert a crime?

Introversion is not the usual go to personality trait of the average Nigerian. Especially if you are a Lagosian, (that’s if you live in Lagos) who is predisposed to the hustle and bustle and fast paced daily lifestyle. In an office environment, introverts are often termed as unproductive, slow or unenthusiastic, so I can relate to your cry for help. Unlike others in your personality cluster, rather than contesting for the spotlight or to make your voices heard, you are supportive and collaborative. Ironically, introverts are some of the best co-workers (and sometimes best bosses) you could ever ask for!

On a lighter note, no be crime to be introvert. I would have even responded to the mail with something like ‘Sir, is being different bad?’

However, I would suggest you have a one-one chat with your supervisor; preferably when he is in a good mood. You should explain to him that you are reserved, but you get your work done, which is important for the growth of the department.

Also, you should let him see the beauty of a blend of all personality types; extroverts and introverts need each other, the office cannot grow with only extroverts. Yes, he may be a supervisor, but they don’t know everything.

I hope my advice works, more importantly I appreciate you writing in. I look forward to reading how the discussion went.

Always here,

HRM

In addition, you can read more about Millennials in the Workplace here.

HRM is a certified human resource millennial practitioner who addresses white-collar issues and proffers opinions faced by Nigerians in the working environment.

Past few days I”ve been reading your post a bit left, right and center. Yet another good article here, only I”ve to say at the reasons of silence you state: “Introverted. Some people are silent because they’re shy. They’d rather be a wallflower than be in the spotlight but the thing is introverted people aren”t necessarily shy, and shy people aren”t necessarily introverted. Take for example me, I”m introverted but I”m definitely not shy. I even talk quicker to strangers than most extroverts. Only after a day of lots of human interactions I (and all introverts) need some quality me time”. I love silence but I also hate it. custom written essays